Former US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism regarding a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting it could be achieved this week. Trump believes economic incentives, such as increased trade with the United States, could motivate both sides to resolve the conflict.
Trump's statement comes as a fragile Easter truce, initiated by Russia, has expired, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported over 2,000 truce violations. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are assessing the feasibility of a comprehensive ceasefire.
Rubio has emphasized the urgency of the situation, indicating that the US might withdraw from mediation efforts if substantial progress isn't made soon. Trump has made resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict a key aspect of his foreign policy, proposing economic partnerships with the US as beneficial to both Moscow and Kyiv. However, skepticism remains about the likelihood of a swift resolution, given the entrenched positions of both parties and the complex demands surrounding NATO expansion and territorial integrity.